Patient's question:
I am 53 years old. Recently, as I have gotten older, I have been experiencing leg pain. I have previously visited the immunology department, but the results were not significant. I have taken both Chinese and Western medicine, especially when the weather changes, I feel uncomfortable. What are the diagnostic criteria for rheumatic fever?Doctor's answer:
I'm glad to assist you. Based on the issue you provided, the diagnostic criteria for rheumatic fever, as established internationally. The main focus is first to observe whether there is evidence of streptococcal infection, then to diagnose based on clinical symptoms and major manifestations, such as myocarditis, in addition to multiple joint inflammation; or erythema marginatum, in addition to subcutaneous nodules, etc. The minor manifestations include fever, joint pain and swelling, a slowed erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and a decreased C-reactive protein, etc. Rheumatic fever can be confirmed if there are two major manifestations, or one major manifestation combined with two minor manifestations.